The FIA has confirmed that Max Verstappen's gearbox has not been replaced on the Red Bull driver's RB16B following his impact with the wall in qualifying in Jeddah.

The Dutchman will therefore start his Saudi Arabian Grand Prix p3 as planned.

Verstappen's costly mistake in Saturday's shootout likely deprived him of pole position but it also sparked a wave of worries in his team regarding potential damage inflicted on his car's transmission.

Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko had warned after qualifying that the Milton Keynes-based outfit's crews would undertake a gearbox change if there was a "glimpse" of damage.

But apparently, a comprehensive check has not revealed any issues.

However, there's always the risk of an unidentified gremlin lurking in the transmission's casing, as was the case for Ferrari's Charles Leclerc who had crashed in qualifying at Monaco but had nevertheless started on pole only to retire on his lap to the grid.

The FIA's note also lists a series of parts that were replaced on Verstappen's car, in accordance with Parc Fermé rules.

The team replaced the RB16B's front wing and nose assembly, a rear trackrod, the top and lower wishbones, the upright assembly, the gaitor and the PAS rack, as well as rear brake materials.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

F1 boss Domenicali on why Apple TV will shatter ESPN’s records

Formula 1 is gearing up for a new digital era in the United States –…

6 hours ago

Sainz reveals ‘not ideal’ reality shared with Alonso

Carlos Sainz has lifted the lid on a private paddock conversation he enjoyed with Fernando…

8 hours ago

Horner names the true culprits of his Red Bull exit

Christian Horner has offered a revealing look back at his dramatic exit from Red Bull…

9 hours ago

McLaren Majesty: When Prost and Lauda stood alone

Alain Prost follows Niki Lauda by just two days on the February birthday calendar, the…

11 hours ago

Coulthard on why Bottas has the edge over Perez at Cadillac

Sergio Perez’s Formula 1 comeback with Cadillac is already under the microscope – and he…

12 hours ago

‘Not pure Formula 1’: Verstappen fires fresh salvo at 2026 cars

After pre-season testing in Bahrain gave F1’s drivers their first real taste of the sport’s…

13 hours ago